This book focuses upon the literary theories of Yüan Hung-tao (1568-1610) and his two brothers.

Preface; 1. The literary scene before the rise of the Kung-an school; 2. The literary theories of the three Yüan brothers; 3. The poetry of Yüan Hung-tao; 4. The prose of Yüan Hung-tao; Epilogue: the legacy of the Kung-an school; Notes; The modern study of the three Yüan brothers and their Kung-an school: an introduction and select bibliography; Chinese titles of works translated; Glossary index.